Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
09RANGOON316
2009-05-28 07:33:00
CONFIDENTIAL
Embassy Rangoon
Cable title:
BURMA: STATE MEDIA LINK BOMBS TO OPPOSITION GROUPS
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C O N F I D E N T I A L RANGOON 000316
SIPDIS
STATE FOR EAP AND IO; PACOM FOR FPA
E.O. 12958: DECL: 05/27/2017
TAGS: PGOV PREL PHUM BM
SUBJECT: BURMA: STATE MEDIA LINK BOMBS TO OPPOSITION GROUPS
REF: A. RANGOON 302
B. RANGOON 312
Classified By: Political Officer Sean K. O'Neill for Reasons 1.4 (b) &
(d)
C O N F I D E N T I A L RANGOON 000316
SIPDIS
STATE FOR EAP AND IO; PACOM FOR FPA
E.O. 12958: DECL: 05/27/2017
TAGS: PGOV PREL PHUM BM
SUBJECT: BURMA: STATE MEDIA LINK BOMBS TO OPPOSITION GROUPS
REF: A. RANGOON 302
B. RANGOON 312
Classified By: Political Officer Sean K. O'Neill for Reasons 1.4 (b) &
(d)
1. (SBU) On May 27 state media reported that two bombs
exploded near government buildings in Mon State. According
to police, there were no casualties when the bombs detonated
near the Economic Bank and Forestry Department in the state
capital Mawlamyine. So far, the police have not responded to
our requests for additional information.
2. (U) One day earlier, state media reported that an
unexploded bomb had been found aboard a train headed for the
capital of Nay Pyi Taw. Officials cited in the press
articles claimed they found evidence the opposition exile
group the All Burma Students' Democratic Front was involved,
but did not elaborate. There have been no claims of
responsibility for any of the bombs.
Comment
--------------
3. (C) The bomb reports may be part of a renewed government
effort to link the opposition with terrorism. In a May 21
meeting with Charge, the Home Affairs Minister Maung Oo
asserted he had evidence the crowd outside Insein Prison
(which has gathered during Aung Sang Suu Kyi's trial) is
"making bomb threats" and "agitating people for street
demonstrations" in attempts to destabilize the country (Ref
A). On May 27, unknown persons (presumably GOB agents)
distributed handbills near NLD headquarters accusing the
party of supporting plans for terrorist acts to gain the
support of the U.S. and other Western governments (Ref B).
The allegations accent the regime's belief that political
opposition is inherently destabilizing and, thus, a threat to
the state.
DINGER
SIPDIS
STATE FOR EAP AND IO; PACOM FOR FPA
E.O. 12958: DECL: 05/27/2017
TAGS: PGOV PREL PHUM BM
SUBJECT: BURMA: STATE MEDIA LINK BOMBS TO OPPOSITION GROUPS
REF: A. RANGOON 302
B. RANGOON 312
Classified By: Political Officer Sean K. O'Neill for Reasons 1.4 (b) &
(d)
1. (SBU) On May 27 state media reported that two bombs
exploded near government buildings in Mon State. According
to police, there were no casualties when the bombs detonated
near the Economic Bank and Forestry Department in the state
capital Mawlamyine. So far, the police have not responded to
our requests for additional information.
2. (U) One day earlier, state media reported that an
unexploded bomb had been found aboard a train headed for the
capital of Nay Pyi Taw. Officials cited in the press
articles claimed they found evidence the opposition exile
group the All Burma Students' Democratic Front was involved,
but did not elaborate. There have been no claims of
responsibility for any of the bombs.
Comment
--------------
3. (C) The bomb reports may be part of a renewed government
effort to link the opposition with terrorism. In a May 21
meeting with Charge, the Home Affairs Minister Maung Oo
asserted he had evidence the crowd outside Insein Prison
(which has gathered during Aung Sang Suu Kyi's trial) is
"making bomb threats" and "agitating people for street
demonstrations" in attempts to destabilize the country (Ref
A). On May 27, unknown persons (presumably GOB agents)
distributed handbills near NLD headquarters accusing the
party of supporting plans for terrorist acts to gain the
support of the U.S. and other Western governments (Ref B).
The allegations accent the regime's belief that political
opposition is inherently destabilizing and, thus, a threat to
the state.
DINGER